Ibrahim Gardner
Harvard University offers a range of funding opportunities for PhD students, including stipends, fellowships, teaching fellowships, and research assistantships. The average salary for a PhD student at Harvard has been reported to be $71,555, while other sources estimate it to be as high as $165,797 per year. There is also variation depending on the field of study, with students in the life sciences earning more than their counterparts in the humanities or social sciences. In response to demands from the Harvard Graduate Students Union-United Auto Workers, Harvard increased the minimum stipend for PhD students to $50,000, which is a significant boost for those who were previously earning between $35,000 and $43,000.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average salary per year | $71,555 or $165,797 |
| Average salary per hour | $80 |
| Salary range per year | $139,765 to $199,779 |
| Salary range per hour | $67 to $96 |
| Salary range per month | $11,647 to $16,648 |
| Stipend range per year | $35,000 to $43,000 or $50,000 |
| Support types | Fellowships, teaching fellowships, and research assistantships |
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What You'll Learn
Stipends for living expenses
The stipend for Harvard PhD students has been a topic of discussion and witnessed changes over the years. In 2019, reports suggested that Harvard PhD students received stipends ranging from $35,000 to $43,000 annually, with some mentioning amounts in the $20,000 range. This range was considered sufficient to live modestly and comfortably in the Boston area, including Cambridge, where many Harvard students reside. However, it's important to note that living arrangements and expenses can vary, and some students may have unique circumstances that require additional financial considerations.
In December 2023, Harvard announced an increase in the minimum stipend for PhD students to $50,000 per year. This change came as a response to the Harvard Graduate Students Union-United Auto Workers' (HGSU-UAW) petition, which advocated for raising the yearly compensation to $48,779, the estimated living wage rate in Middlesex County. The union's efforts highlighted the rising costs of living and the need to remain competitive with peer institutions.
The new minimum stipend of $50,000 marked a significant boost for Harvard's lowest-paid PhD students and brought their compensation closer to that of other universities. While total compensation is not capped at this amount, all PhD students will earn at least the minimum rate. This change ensures that Harvard's PhD students can better cover their living expenses and maintain a decent standard of living during their academic pursuits.
It is worth noting that PhD student funding packages at Harvard may include stipends for living expenses, as indicated in their Notice of Financial Support. Stipends are typically disbursed monthly, either through direct deposit or paper checks. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore external scholarships, grants, and fellowships to supplement their funding. Harvard also offers research assistantships, teaching fellowships, and a combination of both to provide financial support to PhD students beyond their first year.
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Research assistantships
Harvard University offers a variety of research assistantship opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. These positions can provide valuable experience and financial support for students pursuing a PhD.
The Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, for example, invites Harvard College undergraduates to apply for positions as research assistants to faculty associates. Undergraduate research assistants can earn $18 per hour for up to ten hours per week while classes are in session. Their salary is typically cost-shared with the participating faculty member. Preference is usually given to candidates with prior experience in research assistance or research methods.
Harvard University also offers research assistantship positions for graduate students, who are appointed annually for a 12-month period to perform research under the supervision of a faculty member or principal investigator. The minimum hourly rate for graduate research assistants is $16 per hour, effective July 1, 2020, or upon ratification of the agreement. The hourly rate may vary depending on the specific school and the available funds in a faculty member's grant.
Salary and Compensation:
The average salary for a research assistant at Harvard University is $66,304 per year, with some professionals earning up to $118,334 per year. The typical pay range is between $49,728 (25th percentile) and $90,282 (75th percentile) annually. The salary trajectory for research assistants at Harvard can range from $66,284 per year for entry-level positions to $268,730 per year for the highest level of seniority.
In addition to competitive salaries, Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package for full- and part-time salaried researchers, including generous healthcare options and paid vacation. The university also provides unique advantages and perks, such as access to academic resources and the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), which allows employees to enroll in undergraduate and graduate-level courses at a discounted rate.
Overall, research assistantships at Harvard University provide a blend of academic and financial opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students, offering valuable experience, competitive salaries, and access to a wide range of benefits and resources.
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Teaching fellowships
Harvard offers a comprehensive package of financial support for PhD students, which includes tuition, health insurance fees, and basic living expenses. This support can come in the form of tuition grants, stipends, traineeships, teaching fellowships, research assistantships, and other academic appointments.
For example, at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), there are different rates for teaching assistants (TAs) and teaching fellows. Teaching assistants at SEAS receive a minimum hourly wage of $21, with senior rates being $7,981.25 per class. Senior rates are typically reserved for individuals with at least two years of study, two years of post-graduate teaching experience, or a PhD.
On the other hand, teaching fellows at SEAS are offered different rates based on their level of seniority and the specific teaching rate category they fall under. Junior-level pedagogical fellows receive $5,640, while senior-level pedagogical fellows are offered $6,385. Similarly, junior-level instructional fellows are paid $11,380, and senior-level instructional fellows receive $12,765.
It is important to note that the rates mentioned above may vary across different schools and programs within Harvard. Additionally, the pay scales for teaching fellowships are based on negotiations made by the graduate student union. PhD students at Harvard can expect to receive full financial support for a minimum of five years, covering their first four years of study and their dissertation completion year.
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External scholarships
Harvard PhD students can receive financial support in the form of external scholarships. These scholarships are provided by organisations and institutions outside of Harvard University, and they can be a valuable source of funding for PhD students. Here are some examples of external scholarships that Harvard PhD students may be eligible for:
- National Merit Scholarship Programs: These scholarships are available to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic merit and achievement.
- Corporate Scholarships: Some companies and corporations offer scholarships to students pursuing PhDs in fields related to their industry.
- Civic Organisation Scholarships: Various civic organisations, such as the Pride Foundation Scholarship, offer scholarships to support students from underrepresented groups or those who demonstrate a commitment to community service.
- International Scholarships: For international students, there are scholarships offered by organisations in their home countries, such as the Alberta Scholarships Program for Canadian citizens or residents.
- Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain scholarships are tailored to specific fields of study. For example, the Landscape Architecture Foundation Ignite Scholarship is for students studying landscape architecture or related fields.
- Financial Need-Based Scholarships: Some scholarships are specifically designed for students from lower-income backgrounds, such as the Lift Fellowship offered by Harvard Business School.
It is important to note that external scholarships may have different application processes and eligibility requirements. PhD students at Harvard are encouraged to explore and apply for these external scholarships to supplement their financial resources during their doctoral studies. Additionally, students with external fellowships are advised to discuss their funding with their financial aid officers to determine how to best utilise the funds throughout their academic journey.
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Union-negotiated pay increases
PhD student salaries at Harvard vary depending on the source of the information. According to Glassdoor, the estimated average salary for a PhD student at Harvard University is $165,797 per year or $80 per hour, with a reported range of $67 to $96 per hour. However, other sources indicate a much lower salary range for PhD students at Harvard. Self-reported salaries on Glassdoor suggest that PhD students at Harvard can earn between $139,765 and $199,779 per year.
Harvard Graduate Student Union-United Auto Workers (HGSU-UAW) had been advocating for a raise in the yearly compensation for PhD students, and in December 2023, it was announced that the GSAS PhD stipends would be increased to $50,000, addressing the call for a living wage. This increase is a significant boost for the lowest-paid PhD students at Harvard, bringing their compensation closer to pay parity with their peers at other institutions. The union had collected over 1,600 signatures for a petition requesting a raise to $48,779, the living wage rate in Middlesex County, and the new minimum stipend exceeds this requested amount by $1,221.
Prior to this raise, there were disparities in stipends across different academic disciplines. For example, in the 2025 fiscal year, students in the life sciences would have earned over $4,000 more than their counterparts in the humanities or social sciences. The union victory at Harvard followed similar successes at other universities, such as significant raises won by MIT's graduate student union.
While the union celebrated this achievement, they also recognized the ongoing need for bargaining and contract negotiations to secure further improvements in compensation for PhD students. The current HGSU-UAW contract is set to expire in 2025, and union organizers are determined to continue their efforts to ensure that PhD students receive fair and competitive wages.
In addition to stipends, PhD students at Harvard may receive financial support through fellowships, teaching fellowships, and research assistantships. First-year PhD students are typically supported with full fellowships to focus on their coursework, and in subsequent years, they may take on teaching and research responsibilities. The specific funding packages for PhD students can vary, and students are encouraged to explore external scholarships, grants, and fellowships to supplement their financial resources during their doctoral studies.
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Frequently asked questions
The stipend for PhD students at Harvard varies between departments. In 2023, the GSAS raised the minimum stipend to $50,000, with the total compensation not capped at this amount. Prior to this raise, PhD students in the life sciences earned over $4,000 more than those in the humanities or social sciences. According to reports from PhD students in 2019, stipends ranged from $20,000 to $43,000, with most students earning around $35,000. Some reports suggest that PhD students at Harvard can earn up to $235,381 per year.
PhD student funding packages may include stipends for living expenses, which are disbursed monthly or in some cases, bi-monthly. Students are expected to complete their PhD requirements in four to six years, and financial support can take the form of fellowships, teaching fellowships, or research assistantships.
In addition to the funding packages provided by Harvard, PhD students are encouraged to apply for independent grants, fellowships, and non-Harvard scholarships.
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